Director of Center for Diabetes Treatmentand Research:Mrs. Sarah Farkash,R.N, M.P.A.Masters in Public Administration

General DescriptionIn addition to making changes in lifestyle, the diabetes patient must enlist the assistance of a wide range of specialists for comprehensive treatment of the disease. A diabetes patient must spend precious time visiting specialists in widely dispersed clinics, searching for information, and evaluating various opinions and recommendations. The patient must see a long list of specialists such as the family physician, endocrinologist/diabetes specialist, ophthalmologist, diabetic podiatrist, and dietician, and in between, undergo laboratory and other tests. All of this demands a significant expenditure of time and energy.

The Gabriel Cabra Bildirici Diabetes Center was established by the Sanz Medical Center–Laniado Hospital to solve this problem and to take into account the needs of the patient and his/her family, with the goal of grouping all the required tests, treatments, and medical experts in one central location. With this overall vision of providing convenient service and improving the patients’ quality of life, the DiabetesCenter provides all the necessary tests and physicians in a wide range of specialties under one roof, thus enabling comprehensive treatment of diabetes.

The BildiriciDiabetesCenter is the first and only such center in Israel. It operates according to an innovative approach that aims to streamline and shorten the medical process for diabetes patients, thus assisting them to cope with the disease and its side-effects, and to adjust to a new lifestyle.

A medical specialist manages each patient’s medical file. This specialist operates in full cooperation with all the other specialists, consulting with them regularly regarding each step and decision regarding the patient. Managing the medical file under one roof saves the patient the aggravation of having to cope with multiple, disparate opinions.

Patient stay in the clinic is several hours. For the patients’ comfort and enjoyment during their stay, the center provides comfortable sitting areas where they may read, write, eat, and drink in an atmosphere that is homey, warm, and considerate.

ResearchThe Center performs research in the field of diabetes in cooperation with other centers and institutions. Our goals are to improve the quality of treatment and find a cure for diabetes.

Dietician servicesOur Dietician assists the Diabetes patient in acquiring proper eating habits that meet the requirements for balanced sugar levels, vital in supplying energy to the body’s cells. The approach to the diabetic is based on personal adaptation. A unique program is constructed for each patient, using an innovative method (personal coaching, group workshops, individual instruction) in order to achieve goals.

Personal support by Social WorkerAn experienced social worker with appropriate skills for care of the chronic patient provides solutions for the emotional challenges of each individual patient. In addition, the Center holds meetings of support groups, which assist the patient in efficient coping with diabetes.

Registered nurse specializing in diabetesThe diabetes patient needs training, direction, support, and personal guidance throughout treatment. A registered nurse and diabetes specialist monitors all the parameters, accompanies the patient during his visit to the Center, offers instruction as needed, and serves as a contact person for the future.